Overview

Based on Oscar Wildes story The Birthday of the Infanta, Zemlinskys single-act opera Der Zwerg is the tragic tale of a dwarf who is presented at court, falls in love with the beautiful Donna Clara, but is ultimately forced to see himself as others see him and to die of a broken heart. Preceded by Schoenbergs Accompaniment to a Cinematographic Scene, Op. 34, Zemlinskys Romantic score is full of psychological intrigue. Is Der Zwerg a critique of societys superficiality? Is it the composers self-portrait in his doomed affair with Alma Schindler? Director Tobias Kratzers stunning, transparent production creates a space in which each character is thrown into sharp relief in this fine, noble and melancholy work.

Top Cast

E

Elena Tsallagova

Donna Clara, Infanta of Spain

Emily Magee

Ghita, her attendant

D

David Butt Philip

Der Zwerg

Mick Morris Mehnert

Der Zwerg (actor)

P

Philipp Jekal

Don Estoban, the chamberlain

F

Flurina Stucki

Maid

A

Amber Fasquelle

Maid

M

Maliu Vaahtoluoto

Maid

S

So Young Park

Companion

K

Kristina Häger

Companion